Pic story of inheritor of lost-wax technique in Tongling, China's Anhui

Zheng Dongping sculpts a model at a studio in Tongling, east China's Anhui Province, Oct. 27, 2025.

Lost-wax casting is one of the most important techniques in ancient Chinese bronze casting, with its history tracing back to the Spring and Autumn Period (770-476 BC) and the Warring States Period (475-221 BC). The process involves several stages, including sculpting the model, making the wax mold, dewaxing and firing, and finally casting the bronze. This method is particularly suitable for crafting objects with intricate shapes.

In Tongling, the technique has been passed down for over a thousand years and remains a core method in bronze casting today. The lost-wax technique was listed in the third batch of intangible cultural heritage items of Anhui Province.

Zheng Dongping, a representative inheritor of the craft, has long been dedicated to its preservation and innovation. By integrating modern aesthetic elements, he has helped to breathe new life into traditional bronze art.

"I hope the lost-wax casting technique can bring bronze art into everyday life," Zheng said. (Photo by Chu Zhuchuan/Xinhua)

Zheng Dongping watches a bronze replica of his work at a studio in Tongling, east China's Anhui Province, Oct. 27, 2025.(Photo by Chu Zhuchuan/Xinhua)

Workers pour wax to make wax models at a bronze crafting company in Tongling, east China's Anhui Province, Oct. 29, 2025.(Photo by Chu Zhuchuan/Xinhua)

A worker coats a wax model with slurry to form a mold shell at a bronze crafting company in Tongling, east China's Anhui Province, Oct. 29, 2025.(Photo by Chu Zhuchuan/Xinhua)

Workers sculpt wax models at a bronze crafting company in Tongling, east China's Anhui Province, Oct. 29, 2025.(Photo by Chu Zhuchuan/Xinhua)

Zheng Dongping draws a sketch at a studio in Tongling, east China's Anhui Province, Oct. 27, 2025.(Photo by Chu Zhuchuan/Xinhua)

Zheng Dongping sculpts a cast semi-finished bronze piece at a studio in Tongling, east China's Anhui Province, Oct. 27, 2025.(Photo by Chu Zhuchuan/Xinhua)

Zheng Dongping (2nd, L) exchanges skills in craft making with young people at a studio in Tongling, east China's Anhui Province, Oct. 27, 2025.(Photo by Chu Zhuchuan/Xinhua)

Zheng Dongping (R) discusses silicone mold-making techniques with staff members at a studio in Tongling, east China's Anhui Province, Oct. 27, 2025.(Photo by Chu Zhuchuan/Xinhua)

Zheng Dongping makes the wax mold at a studio in Tongling, east China's Anhui Province, Oct. 27, 2025.(Photo by Chu Zhuchuan/Xinhua)